21st Century Troubadours

Fri. 3/02 10p: The charismatic singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela from South Africa is a modern troubadour.

His fans have come to expect not only Vusi's passionate singing but his philosophical reflections between songs. Vusi talks to us about his latest album ‘Say Africa’ and gives us a special live performance.

By contrast, Baloji is a brilliant young rapper who lives in Belgium and channels his Congolese roots with a live soukous band on stage. Baloji speaks for many young Africans trying to figure out bi or tri-continental, trans-generational identities. We’ll hear Baloji's New York City debut along with his own story.

We also hear from the young singer-guitarist Joan Soriano--the Duke of Bachata--from the Dominican Republic. His songs are mainly about love and loss but with a universal appeal.

Other troubadours on the show include Zimbabwe great Oliver Mtukudzi and Mali's Afel Bocoum, protégé of the late great Ali Farka Touré.